Dear Wonderful Fans,
I apologize for this delayed blog post but finals have
gotten the better of me for the past week. Well, it has been a surreal couple
of days since our amazing ACC tournament victory last weekend. I cannot
describe in words just how happy we all are and how much this means to
everyone. The professionalism and humble confidence with which everyone
approached each match was admirable. I am especially proud of our four freshmen
that have never been in that position before. The way that they battled and
exuded energy definitely inspired us all to work harder and made the fight just
as enjoyable as the victory. As
our season draws to an end with the NCAA tournament ahead of us, it inspires a
time of reflection on the past year. A quote that Jamie introduced to us as the
theme for the ACC tournament sums up this year’s DWT team better than anything
I’d be able to come up with – “Whatever it Takes.”
First of all, I must once again mention our fab four
freshmen— Annie, Trice, Monica T., and Ester-- and what they have done to
transform DWT into more than just a winning tennis team. It is difficult to
believe that it was less than a year ago that these girls joined the team.
Additionally, I personally can’t believe that they are only freshmen. These
girls have been willing to sacrifice so much throughout this year and have been
a key driving force to our successes through their maturity, ambition and hard
work. What makes this so astounding is the fact that freshmen naturally tend to
enjoy (sometimes over- enjoy) the crazies of college years and have to be
“watched” so that they don’t harm themselves or the team in the process. But
these four, have been nothing but perfect with the professionalism aspect of
our team values and have truly raised the level of our program to new heights.
Han and Big Ray have continued to epitomize hard work and
commitment throughout the year. There are no harder workers than these two and
I believe that they have driven our team to exceed expectations at every
practice, Howser workout or lifting session. I cant remember one time where
either of them had an excuse or a complaint about anything. Furthermore, they
quietly go about fulfilling their roles with complete humbleness. They truly
are role models on this team and make DWT a place where we can all grow as
people in addition to improving our tennis.
Last but not least, Mary is an example that I’d use when
talking about the characteristics of a perfect leader. Throughout this year, I
think she has grown into a responsible, assertive and organized person who has
led us at every step of the way. She has been the solid rock for our team by
keeping the channels of communication open between the coaches and us. Her
leadership and friendship means so much to everyone on the team and I’d
definitely say that Duke tennis is lucky to have a person like her representing
the program.
Throughout this year, we have been able to overcome personal
and team obstacles and challenges to do what is best for the team and for the
pursuit of our goals. No matter how hard they may have been, every girl has
done her absolute best to put others in front of individual interests. Now, we’re
busy doing whatever it takes to get through finals week and then we’re going to
be doing whatever it takes to reach our ultimate goal of securing another NCAA championship
title for the Duke program. It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks but we’re
super excited to give it our all!
GO DUKE!
Yours in Tennis,
Monica Gorny and the rest of DWT
